As the 2024 NBA Draft came to a close on Thursday, several teams unveiled strategies that will shape their futures. While some franchises zeroed in on top-tier talent, others opted for trades that could bear fruit in the longer term. One of the most buzzworthy moments of the night was when the Los Angeles Lakers made their selection at No. 55, choosing a player with a storied lineage: Bronny James.
Lakers Select Bronny James
Standing at 6-foot-1, Bronny James entered the draft with modest statistics, having averaged 4.8 points over 25 games during his college career. However, his selection by the Lakers at No. 55 spurred discussions about the influential power of legacy. LeBron James, his legendary father, is known to have significant sway within the Lakers organization. As one unspecified source put it, "LeBron can say all he wants that he had nothing to do with this and 'reports' can come out that Anthony Davis was 'really impressed' with Bronny's workout, but let's be honest about this: Bronny would not have been taken by the Lakers, or probably any other team, if he wasn't LeBron's son."
Interestingly, Rich Paul, LeBron’s agent, added another layer to the story. "Bronny would go to Australia to play if anyone else took him," he remarked. This statement hints at possible behind-the-scenes maneuvering to ensure Bronny ended up in Los Angeles. Despite the whispers and doubts, Bronny’s resilience is unquestionable, having survived a sudden cardiac arrest, a testament to his determination and strength.
Dalton Knecht Joins the Lakers
Earlier in the draft, the Lakers made another significant move by selecting Dalton Knecht at No. 17. Knecht, who earned the accolade of SEC Player of the Year, is expected to be a valuable addition to the Lakers’ roster. His decorated college career and versatility on the court make him a promising prospect for the team’s future.
Knicks Make Bold Moves
The New York Knicks were also active on draft night, executing a series of strategic trades and selections. They made headlines when they acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, only to re-sign OG Anunoby the following day. Further showcasing their aggressive approach, the Knicks exchanged one of their first-round picks with the Oklahoma City Thunder, receiving five second-round picks in return.
In terms of new talent, the Knicks picked Pacome Dadiet with the No. 25 pick and later acquired Tyler Kolek at No. 34 through a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers. These moves illustrate the Knicks' commitment to building a robust and versatile team capable of competing at the highest level.
Hawks Secure No. 1 Pick
The Atlanta Hawks were fortunate to secure the No. 1 overall pick, selecting Zaccharie Risacher. With an expected earning of approximately $57 million over his first four NBA seasons, Risacher enters the league with high expectations on his shoulders. His selection is seen as a cornerstone for the Hawks’ ambitions in the coming years.
The draft’s subsequent picks saw Alex Sarr being chosen at No. 2 and Tidjane Salaun by the Charlotte Hornets at No. 6. The Memphis Grizzlies picked Zach Edey at No. 9, and the Portland Trail Blazers added Donovan Clingan to their roster.
Spurs Eye the Future
Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs were active participants as well. They selected Stephon Castle with the No. 4 pick. Jay Bilas compared Castle to Jrue Holiday, highlighting the Spurs' high hopes for his defensive capabilities. The Spurs also traded the rights to their No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, to the Timberwolves. In return, they received an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a protected 2030 first-round swap.
This trade is a clear indication of the Spurs' long-term strategy. The Spurs now hold control over at least one first-round pick from another team in every draft until 2031, with the exception of 2029. It's a move that speaks volumes about their intention to build through the draft for sustained success.
As the dust settles on the 2024 NBA Draft, teams and fans alike will eagerly watch to see how these new players and trades pan out. For some, the impact will be immediate, while for others, it will be seen in the years to come.